What mythology is ouroboros?

In Norse mythology, the ouroboros appears as the serpent Jörmungandr, one of the three children of Loki and Angrboda, which grew so large that it could encircle the world and grasp its tail in its teeth. This snake encircled the iris and bit itself in the tail, and the son was named Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye.

What is an ouroboros and what does it represent?

Ouroboros is a gnostic and alchemical symbol that expresses the unity of all things, material and spiritual, which never disappear but perpetually change form in an eternal cycle of destruction and re-creation.

What does the serpent represent in mythology?

Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.

Is Ouroboros a deity?

One of the serpents is actually around a big figured believed being Ra-Osiris (Osiris born again as Ra). Both Ouroboros are manifestations of the deity Mehen, who in other funerary texts is protecting Ra during the underworld journey. The whole divine figure represents the beginning and the end of time.

What is the snake eating his tail called?

ouroboros
What does ouroboros mean? The ouroboros is an ancient symbol of a snake or serpent eating its own tail, variously signifying infinity and the cycle of birth and death.

Why does a snake swallow its tail?

Confused, overheated, stressed, and with a fake sense of hunger, the snake will bite into its own tail, devouring itself. This will usually not be a single bite either, and it’s very likely the snake will keep eating itself until its body heat can be regulated or it kills itself.

Why is the snake a symbol of health?

The son of Apollo and the human princess Coronis, Asclepius is the Greek demigod of medicine . The Greeks regarded snakes as sacred and used them in healing rituals to honor Asclepius, as snake venom was thought to be remedial and their skin-shedding was viewed as a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

Is the serpent a symbol of wisdom?

In many cultures, the snake is a symbol of wisdom. So, a snake or cobra tattoo can mean wisdom, ancient knowledge, and even power. In most cases, a snake coiled around another can mean sexuality or even healing.

Are Ouroboros and Jormungandr the same thing?

Perhaps most famously, In Norse mythology, another example of the Ouroboros is Jörmungandr. Also known as the Midgard (world) serpent, Jörmungandr is a giant sea serpent and the child of the giantess Angrboða and Loki – the trickster of the Norse Gods.

What does the ouroboros symbolize?

Greek Philosophy. For Plato,the ouroboros represented self-reliance and showed a perfect being that needed nothing but itself.

What does an Oroboros symbolize?

– Main Concepts of the Ouroboros Symbol. The Ouroboros can vary in shape and style but generally, it’s characterized as a serpent (or dragon) eating its own tail, creating a circular – Norse Mythology Uses Snake to Convey Order in the World. – Carl Jung – Ouroboros as Archetypal Image. – Principles of the Ouroboros.

What does Ouroboros mean?

The Ouroboros is a Greek word meaning “tail devourer,” and is one of the oldest mystical symbols in the world.

What does ouroboros tattoo mean?

Among the tattoos featuring mythical symbols, ouroboros tattoos are one special design. The ouroboro refers to the symbol of a snake or in some cases, a dragon biting its own tail. It symbolizes the ever running cycle of life and death.